When looking for fish to add to your tank, sometimes you can get lost in the number of freshwater varieties out there, but other times you're looking for a fish to fill a particular role.
Siamese Algae Eaters fulfill a specific role, they are perfect for someone looking for a fish that will help clean up their tank by getting rid of algae.
They are active and social creatures that will do well in large groups as well as when kept alone. When feeding, they are easygoing and will eat whatever is put in their tank.
Because they are peaceful, these fish are ideal for beginners to add to their community aquarium. One thing to watch out for is the Siamese flying fox which looks almost identical to the algae eaters and as a result they are often confused.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Appearance
- Habitat - the tank conditions
- Eating pattern
- Concern
- Fucking
- Are Siamese Algae Eaters Right for Your Aquarium?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese algae eater facts and overview
| Categories | Judgement |
| level of care: | Simple |
| Temperament: | Peacefully |
| Colour: | Gold/grey with black stripe |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Maat: | 6 inch |
| Eating pattern: | Omnivore |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 liter |
| Tank setup: | Freshwater, heavily planted |
| Compatibility: | Peaceful community fish |
Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide ...
Siamese algeneters, ofCrossocheilus oblongus, Arefresh water fishfrom the Cyprinidae family. This family also includes carp, which are closely related.
Originally from Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, they are now grown all over the world for the aquarium trade. The reason they have become so popular is that they are one of thebest algae eatersavailable. They move a lot, so they quickly cover the entire aquarium.
While the movement helps with the algae, it also keeps your tank active and interesting. Many other algae eaters don't move much (egnerite snails).
Most pet stores sell them because of their popularity, so they are easy to find. They are also cheap, about $3-$5 per fish.
These fish are great for beginners, they make it much easier to keep the tank clean and their behavior is not likely to be a problem. That said, Siamese algae eaters produce waste just like any other fish. Overstocking can make your tank messier instead of cleaner.
Typical behaviour
Most of their time is spent in the lower levels of the tank. Here they swim around until they find a place covered in algae, they will probably stay here until it is gone.
If you keep a few together, they will form groups and you will see them feeding together in the same area.
They are rarely aggressive, but they are quite energetic and swim around quickly. This means they should not attack other fish, but they can disturb and upset calmer species.
If they are aggressive keep a close eye on them for a few days, they may need to be separated if the problem persists.
Appearance
True Siamese algae eaters have onelong, narrow bodythat reaches up to six centimeters. They are usually light gray or golden with a black stripe extending from the head to the tail.
The streak may begin to fade; this could be during a mating display, times of stress, or a way to camouflage themselves (which is less common in the aquarium).
There are no differences between males and females until about 3-4 years old, and at this point the only thing that gives away their gender is size. Females are about 30% larger in mass than males.
Siamese algeneter versus Flying Fox
The Siamese flying fox(Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)is often confused with thealgae eaterbecause they look so alike. They both have a bold black stripe running down their body.
The easiest way to tell which species you are looking at is to check for flaps in the corner of the mouth. Flying foxes have them, but algae eaters don't. However, this is almost impossible to check when the fish are alive and swimming around, so you can make an educated guess by looking at the color.
The black stripe on the flying fox is usually smoother and ends where the tail fin begins. The algae eaters are less uniform and extend to the end of the caudal fin.
Habitat - the tank conditions
In the wild, you can find Siamese algae eaters in the densely vegetated rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. These are the same habitat preferences ofclosely related Asian carp.
These tropical waters are slightly acidic and do not tend to have fast currents. Beneath the surface you will find many plants, rocks and tree trunks that provide shelter.
An algae eater's time is divided between hiding in these hiding places and foraging for food on surfaces. These are mainly algae, but also other things that sink to the bottom of the river.
They are not the best explorers, tending to stay near shelters they know and rarely venture to the surface of the water.
Their ideal home setup is a recreation of this natural habitat.
Tank conditions
Since they spend most of their time close to the bottom of the tank, a sandy substrate makes it safer for them to swim around without their bodies ordamage their delicate barbs.
Plants should be added to make them feel at home. They act as shelter while keeping the water cleaner and oxygenated.
There is a chance that your fish will nibble on some plants if they can't find any other food. Keeping them well fed is the best way to protect your plants. One strategy is to use fast-growing species such ashorn blade, which can quickly regenerate if parts are eaten.
All fish like to have a place where they can hide from their aquarium mates, especially the bottom fish. Make caves around the tank to let them escape. They're not territorial, so there shouldn't be any squabbling about who goes where.
Most fish can jump, but some canbetter than others. Siamese algae eaters are active and fast, making it easier for them to jump out of the water. Keeping a lid on the tank will prevent you from coming home in the event of a fatal escape attempt.
You will need a heater to keep the water in the 75-79°F range. The water hardness should be 5-20 dH.
Ideally, the pH would be between 6.5 and 7.0, but they can tolerate a slightly larger span (about 6.0-8.0) if necessary.
They have no special requirements for water flow, which can be surprising since they naturally live in rivers. These would move slowly and the current would be even weaker near the riverbed where they live.
What size aquarium do Siamese Algae Eaters need?
They need a minimum of a 20 gallon tank.
How many Siamese Algae Eaters can be kept per gallon?
You will need 20 gallons for the first fish and then another 10 gallons per fish after that.
Tank mates
Siamese algae eaters are peaceful creatures, which means there is a long list of potential tank mates. This makes them good candidates for a community aquarium.
Since these fish spend their time at the bottom of the aquarium, think about what else will live there. Many bottom dwellers can be territorial or simply bully those who get in their way.Redtail sharksare a good example; they harass others to protect their territory when they are adults. This is not a battle your peaceful algae eaters would win.
There are plenty of peaceful bottom dwellers to choose from.Corydora'sare some of the most popular; this genus contains many different species.
Fish that live in other parts of the aquarium don't have territorial disputes, so there's an even wider selection. Don't add notoriously aggressive fish, as they may attack or eat your algae eaters.
This usually means avoidancecichlids, many of which should be kept in a species-only aquarium anyway. However, there are some peaceful exceptions, such asangel.
Tetra's,danios, Inguppieswork well because they are small and not aggressive. You can also use bigger fish likegoerami'sInbarbbecause their size does not come with additional aggression.
It's good to remember that your tank mates don't have to be fish. Other animals can be added, most of which also eat algae. The most common are shrimp (thank you,kers, Inspook) and snails (like nerite snails).
Mixing shrimp and snails with your fish will show different behaviors, adding interest to your tank. They still add to the aquarium's biological load, so be careful not to overcrowd your tank.
Keeping Siamese algae eaters together
You can keep more than one Siamese Algae Eater in the tank. They show off their best behavior in schools of at least 4-6.
However, this does not mean you should keep them in a school, they also do well if kept alone or in pairs.
Eating pattern
Most of their diet is in their name. In the wild they would eat algae, plant matter and vegetation, but they are not just herbivores. They are scavengers, so they will eat anything they find, including dead fish and insects.
They are easy to care for in the tank, they are not fussy and will eat most things you add to the tank. This includes flake and pellet foods from stores, algae wafers, and live foods. Good examples of live food are brine shrimp and bloodworms, frozen varieties also work well.
Sinking foods, such as pellets, are good for bottom-dwelling fish because they are more likely to fall past fish higher up in the tank.
Overfeeding can be a problem as they already have some algae and plants in the tank before feeding. Sometimes Siamese algae eaters will stop eating algae in favor of the other food you're feeding them if you keep adding too much.
They can eat a lot, they would eat all day if you let them. Limit feeding to an amount they can easily eat in a few minutes a day.
Concern
There are no specific diseases that these species are susceptible to, but that doesn't mean they won't get sick at some point.
Most diseases give signs, some more obvious than others. For example, the commonIchthyophthirius multifiliisparasite (commonly known as "I”) causes small white dots around the body.
Have many diseasestreatments and medicinesthat you can buy which workwell with quarantine tanks, but there are ways to prevent your Siamese Algae Eater from getting diseases.
- High quality food is less likely to cause organ problems. Cheaper foods can cause constipation, often leading to further effects.
- Dirty water is like people breathing polluted air, so the water should be changed every two weeks to reduce the buildup of pollutants.
- Be careful what you addto your tank. Decorations can contain toxins and water from other aquariums can cause disease.
Fucking
It is unlikely that you will be able to breed these fish yourself, even if they arepair in the same waylike many other fish. It is only known that they breed on farms using hormones.
Simply sexing them is hard enough and requires a keen eye. Females are about 30% larger once fully grown.
Spawning can probably be triggered by changes in water conditions (temperature, pH, etc.), but little is currently known about how to breed them in home aquariums.
Are Siamese Algae Eaters Right for Your Aquarium?
Whether you are new to fish keeping or have been doing it for years, you should have no problem keeping Siamese Algae Eaters happy and healthy.
They are peaceful and hardy, so less likely to fall victim to rookie mistakes.
If your tank contains plants and peaceful fish and has plenty of free space, they will thrive.
In return, your aquarium will look cleaner and livelier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siamese Algae Eater
- How Long Do Siamese Algae Eaters Live?
- What Do Siamese Algae Eaters Eat?
- Can Siamese Algae Eaters Live With Guppies?
- What is the difference between a flying fox and a Siamese algae eater?
- Are Siamese Algae Eaters Fintangs?
- How Many Siamese Algae Eaters Can I Keep in a 20 Gallon Aquarium?
- Can Betta Fish Live With Siamese Algae Eaters?
- How many Siamese Algae Eaters should I have?
- Does the Siamese Algae Eater Algae?
- How Big Do Siamese Algae Eaters Get?
- Can I keep one Siamese Algae Eater?
- Are Siamese Algae Eaters Aggressive?
FAQs
Siamese Algae Eater: Care, Size, Tank Mates and Habitat? ›
The Siamese algae eater is relatively easy to care for, and it doesn't require a lot of fuss or fancy tank conditions in order to thrive. Generally, plan to go with a minimum tank size of 25 to 30 gallons of water. This will allow them to be active and explore, while also having places to hide.
What size tank does a Siamese algae eater need? ›| Common Names | True Siamese algae eater, SAE |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Tank Level | Bottom Dweller |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 75 to 79°F |
This bottom-dwelling tropical fish is found in mainland Southeast Asia, including the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins as well as the Malay Peninsula. Its natural habitats are streams and rivers as well as flooded forests during the rainy season.
Do Siamese algae eaters need to be in groups? ›The Siamese Algae Eater is a schooling fish as a juvenile, but can become more territorial with its own kind and similar-looking species as it matures. It must be kept in groups of at least 6 fish to avoid harrassment of subdominant specimens, or else it should be kept singly.
Can I keep a single Siamese algae eater? ›Siamese Algae Eaters can be kept single or in small groups, in which case, you should give each fish roughly 10 gallons of space. While not extremely aggressive, they can sometimes be territorial towards their own species.
Will Siamese algae eater eat small fish? ›Bristlenose plecos and Siamese Algae Eaters are also unlikely to harm other fish, but their fairly large size means that predation of smaller fish can't be ruled out entirely.
Are Siamese algae eaters aggressive to other fish? ›Siamese Algae Eaters are a non-aggressive fish species and will get along with most other fish species that are non-aggressive and similarly sized. They tend to even thrive in a community tank where they will form groups and even feed together.
Do Siamese algae eaters jump out of tank? ›The Siamese Algae Eater is a hardy fish that is tolerant of most water conditions and can live in aquariums with plenty of filtration and moderate to high water movement. Despite its hardiness, it is known to jump out of the tank at times, so be sure to have a secure cover on the tank.
How many Siamese algae eaters should you keep together? ›These fish can be somewhat territorial in nature towards their own kind, and it is best to keep a single Siamese or keep 5 or more in a group. This replicates their normal situation in the wild and will prevent a single fish from “claiming” an area of the tank.
Can a Siamese algae eater live with a betta? ›Conclusion. Curbing algae growth in your Betta tank can be as simple as introducing an algae eater into the aquarium water. Specific snail species, shrimp, and bottom-dwellers love to eat algae and won't arouse your Betta fish's territorial instincts by venturing where they're not welcome.
Do Siamese algae eaters like to hide? ›
HABITAT: The Siamese algae eater is a type of fish that can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Southeast Asia. They are bottom dwellers and prefer to spend their time near plants or other hiding places on the ground where they feel comfortable and safe.
Can you have Siamese algae eater with a betta? ›The Siamese algae eater is an exceptionally good fish to choose for your betta tank if you want something that will keep the environment clear of algae. Siamese algae eaters will eat any algae that are growing on your plants without eating the plants, unlike some species of snails.
Can algae eaters live in small tanks? ›They are considered hard workers and are likely to be found in almost every planted aquarium. As they are shoaling fish, it is advisable to keep several together. They can also be easily kept in small aquariums due to their size.
Will my algae eater eat my fish? ›Most fish sold as algae eaters, such as plecos and Chinese algae eaters, are omnivores that, in addition to eating algae, will also eat animal protein. This means they'll happily eat dead fish and in the case of the Chinese algae eater, will also eat live fish.
Why is my Siamese algae eater swimming up and down? ›Fish exhibit many behaviors that tell us how they are feeling, and glass surfing (also known as pacing) is one of them. This is when fish constantly swim up and down the sides of the aquarium glass. One reason they do this is stress. It could mean they aren't happy in their environment, for one reason or another.
What is the difference between a flying fox and a Siamese Algae Eater? ›The flying fox eats mainly algae, but it will also eat vegetation and food flakes. The Siamese algae eater, as its name suggests, primarily eats algae. What makes the difference unique is that the SIamese algae eater also gets red algae and is the only fish in the world known to do so.
Do Siamese algae eaters clean plants? ›2. Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) Siamese algae eaters (SAE) are very active fish that can always be seen grazing on algae by nibbling on the surface of aquatic plants and hardscape. They are wonderful at clearing aquariums that are overgrown with hair or string algae.
Why is my algae eater attacking my fish? ›There is some evidence to suggest that poorly fed algae eaters are more likely to try to feed on the sides of other fish. Evidence suggests that they attack the slime coat as they are looking for nutrients and will attach to the sides of other fish to try to feed on this.
Can you put Siamese Algae Eater with guppies? ›What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Siamese Algae Eaters? Tetras and guppies are two of the best tank mates for Siamese algae eaters. They are the most unproblematic fish to keep with these algae eaters and they will get along peacefully.
Can I put other fish with my Siamese fighting fish? ›If a community tank is desired, Siamese fighting fish can sometimes be kept with smaller peaceful fish such as corydora or otoclinus catfish and small non-nippy tetras (tetras are best kept in a shoal of five or more of the same species). Widows, Surpae and Cochus Blue tetras are not recommended.
What do Siamese algae eaters need? ›
Siamese algae eater can live at a wide range of water parameters, but it prefers neutral or a bit acidic water. Recommend water temperature is between 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), acidity – pH 6.5-8.0, and a water hardness of 5–20 dH. The fish prefers well-circulating water reach with oxygen.
Why is my Siamese fighting fish staying at the top of the tank? ›The reason that betta will move towards the surface in a tank that's too cool is that warm water tends to rise to the surface of the tank, meaning the upper layers of water will be the warmest place!
Do Siamese algae eaters really eat algae? ›Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus (also known as SAE for short) is a 6-inch (15 cm) cleaner fish that is commonly used in larger aquariums. Their downturned mouths are well-suited for eating hair algae, black beard algae, and leftover scraps in the fish tank.
Water Parameters
Temperature: Chinese Algae Eaters live in warm tropical waters with a temperature around the 74-80 °F (24-27 ˚C) range. pH: They can survive in a wide pH range, starting from 5.8 till 8.0. Ideally, it would be best if you stayed on the neutral side (around 6.5-7.5).
Yes, bettas live with shrimp in a freshwater aquarium tank. However, it's no news that betta fish will mostly prey on your shrimp. That's because the size of most shrimp is smaller than the betta fish.
What fish can't live with shrimp? ›Tank Mates to Avoid
Of course, say no to medium to large-sized fish — like goldfish, cichlids, rainbowfish, and bigger plecos. Also, small fish that are mainly meat eaters like to go after shrimp, so be wary of adding betta fish, dwarf cichlids, dwarf gouramis, and pea puffers.
They are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals, whether they are dead or alive.
Can I put a Siamese Algae Eater in a 10 gallon tank? ›Absolutely none! Siamese algae eaters get way too big for a 10 gallon tank. Plus, if you have algae problems, adding more ammonia sources is only going to feed the algae growth.
Can you have 2 algae eaters in one tank? ›If you are dealing with a specific type of algae, your best bet is to choose an algae eater that will feed on that type of algae. For tanks with more large-scale algae problems, it may help to add two or three different types of algae eater to your tank (as long as they're able to live with each other).
How often should algae eaters be fed? ›Feeding Guide
Feed twice a day. To accommodate the slower feeding habits of most algae eaters, feed the amount of food your fish will consume within two hours.
Can Siamese algae eaters live with angelfish? ›
Siamese Algae Eaters are great for planted or community fish tanks and can be kept with other peaceful fish, including tetras, guppies, plecos, cory catfish, angelfish, and more.
Do Siamese algae eaters eat black algae? ›Arguably, the best fish for the job is the Siamese Algae Eater. They are known for eating black algae as well as other types of algae. The only concern you may have for these fish is that they get a bit large when they're older, potentially up to 6 inches.
Do algae eaters not like light? ›There are many different types of algae out there, but they all have the same basic requirements. First and foremost, algae need water in order to thrive. Next, algae need plenty of light.
Do Siamese algae eaters change color? ›My two SAE only really lose the stripe and fade when they're bickering with each other, being the same size, usually around feeding time. I wouldn't worry about it unless they stop eating or show any other symptoms or something out of the ordinary. They look pretty shabby when faded!
Are Siamese algae eaters Catfish? ›Otocinclus: Species. The Siamese algae eater is a member of the Crossocheilus genus, and its official name is Crossocheilus oblongus. This fish is a member of the carp family. However, the Otocinclus genus, a genus of the catfish family, has 19 different species.
What is a good algae eater to live with a betta? ›Ramshorn Snail
These snails are omnivores that love eating algae and dead plants. Great at reproducing, so you need to include a group of them once. The ramshorn snails are excellent tank cleaners for betta fish that can live for around one year and grow up to one inch in size.
What fish can live with bettas. If you are passionate about introducing tank mates to a betta fish tank, here are some recommendations, including Rasboras, Neon tetras, Ember tetras, Celestial, Pearl Danios, Gold nugget pleco, khuli loaches, Corydoras, Pygmy Cory catfish, Albino bristle nose pleco.
What is the easiest algae eater to keep? ›A snail of many names, the Apple Snail (also known as the Golden Mystery Snail, Golden Inca Snail and Yellow Snail) are effective algae eaters and eye-catching tank inhabitants. Golden yellow in colour, these beautiful snails are easy to take care of and prefer sharing their space with other non-aggressive tank mates.
Should I let algae grow in my fish tank? ›Algae is actually a good thing for your aquarium's ecosystem because many fish and invertebrates like to eat it and it helps clean the water as a form of filtration. Plus, certain algae can look attractive and make an aquarium seem more natural.
What algae eaters can live in a 5 gallon? ›Otocinclus
Also known as a Dwarf Sucker, Otocinclus combine algae eating efficiency with a small body size, making them ideal for nano tanks. Growing to maximum size of about 2 inches, Otocinclus fill the need for a small algae eater in tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 20 gallons.
Does overfeeding fish cause algae? ›
Algae bloom – Algae growth is one of the most common problems seen in aquariums. The number one cause is overfeeding. Unsightly blue-green and red algae multiply when there are large quantities of dissolved organic material, nitrates and phosphates in the water. Which is common when fish are overfed.
How long do algae eaters live? ›Plecos: Plecos are known for their algae-eating abilities. In addition to eating algae, they will consume uneaten food and fish waste.
How long do Siamese algae eaters live for? ›Siamese algae-eaters can grow up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) within two years, and live for over 10 years in optimal conditions. They are valued in the aquarium trade for being the only known fish species to consume red algae, including 'black brush' or 'beard' algae.
Why is my fish hitting the glass? ›“Glass surfing” is when a fish – such as betta fish, gouramis, and cichlids – repeatedly swims up and down along the tank walls. It could be caused by stress, boredom, defense of territory, and other reasons.
Can you put an algae eater in a 5 gallon tank? ›Also known as a Dwarf Sucker, Otocinclus combine algae eating efficiency with a small body size, making them ideal for nano tanks. Growing to maximum size of about 2 inches, Otocinclus fill the need for a small algae eater in tanks ranging from 5 gallons to 20 gallons.
Can an algae eater live in a 10 gallon tank? ›Otocinclus Catfish is a very potent and adaptable algae eater. They are comparably smaller in size, making them perfect for 10-gallon tanks. This species feeds on soft green algae and brown algae. Despite their small size, they live in harmony with most other species, even the aggressive ones.
How big do Siamese algae eater fish get? ›Siamese algae eaters are a popular choice for fish tanks, largely due to their effectiveness in eating red algae. They typically reach about 15 centimetres (6 inches) in length after two years and can live up to 10 years with proper care.
Can I put a algae eater with a betta? ›Curbing algae growth in your Betta tank can be as simple as introducing an algae eater into the aquarium water. Specific snail species, shrimp, and bottom-dwellers love to eat algae and won't arouse your Betta fish's territorial instincts by venturing where they're not welcome.
Is algae bad for betta fish? ›It doesn't harm the fish or damage the aquarium water. Getting rid of algae can be seen as a purely aesthetic exercise. Some aquarists even let certain species of algae grow in their aquarium to give it a natural look.
Can I keep Siamese algae eater in 10 gallon? ›
ZERO Siamese algae eaters would fit in a 10g tank. They grow to 5–6 inches and need groups of their own kind as they are social fish.
What is the smallest algae eater? ›One of the smallest algae eaters on this list, the Malaysian trumpet snail grows under 1 inch in length and prefers to get soft algae. These snails have long shells that come to a point and they can be found in a variety of different colors.
Why do my fish keep dying in my 10 gallon tank? ›There are many reasons why fish in your tank keep dying. A few reasons include stress, incorrect tank setup, overfeeding, diseases, and much more. To a beginner, it could look like your fish died for no reason whatsoever.
Will Siamese algae eater jump? ›Water conditions: pH between 6.5 to 7 is ideal for Siamese Algae Eaters. However, they can tolerate up to 8 as well. Talking about water hardness, 5 to 20 dH is suitable. Since Siamese Algae Eaters are active swimmers and move very fast, they also have the tendency to jump.
Do Siamese Algae Eaters like to hide? ›HABITAT: The Siamese algae eater is a type of fish that can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Southeast Asia. They are bottom dwellers and prefer to spend their time near plants or other hiding places on the ground where they feel comfortable and safe.
Can algae eaters be in a tank with sand? ›Tank Set-Up For Chinese Algae Eaters
Sand and gravel are both appropriate. You can also use rounded stones if you like.